Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Senior Manager, Customs & Trade Compliance to lead and manage customs and trade compliance operations across the United Kingdom and European Union region. This role is critical to ensuring the organization's import/export activities comply with all applicable customs regulations, trade agreements, and regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions. The ideal candidate combines deep technical customs expertise with strong operational and stakeholder management skills and has hands-on experience with bonded warehouse operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Within a global Alo framework, lead and oversee customs and trade compliance strategy, policy, and execution across the UK and EU region.

• Liaise with Alo’s 3PL operators to facilitate, and optimize bonded warehouse operations, including inventory control, duty deferral programs, customs warehousing procedures, and regulatory reporting.

• Ensure compliance with UK and EU customs regulations, including classification (HS/Commodity codes), valuation, country of origin, preferential trade agreements, and import/export licensing requirements. Drive valuation reconciliation where necessary.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for HMRC (UK) and relevant EU customs authorities, managing audits, inquiries, and regulatory filings.

• Work closely with centralized US Customs and Trade Compliance team to align on global strategy and approach.

• Develop, implement, and maintain trade compliance policies, procedures, and internal controls in line with evolving regulations (e.g., UK Border Target Operating Model, Union Customs Code (UCC), post-Brexit trade rules).

• Drive the business toward AEO (Authorised Economic Operator) status and related certifications, ensuring ongoing compliance with program requirements.

• Partner cross-functionally with Logistics, Supply Chain, Legal, Finance, and Procurement teams to ensure trade compliance is embedded in end-to-end operations.

• Identify and implement duty optimization strategies, including free trade agreement utilization, tariff engineering, and duty drawback/deferral programs where applicable.

• Manage relationships with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and third-party logistics providers across the region.

• Monitor regulatory changes across UK and EU trade policy and proactively assess business impact, updating internal stakeholders and processes accordingly.

• Lead training programs to build trade compliance awareness across relevant business functions.

• Support internal and external audits related to customs and trade compliance matters.

• Manage and mentor direct reports or cross-regional compliance staff, as applicable.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics, International Trade, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.

• Significant experience (typically 7+ years) in customs and trade compliance roles, with demonstrated regional or multi-country responsibility across the UK and/or EU.

• Proven, hands-on experience managing bonded warehouse operations, including customs warehousing procedures, inventory reconciliation, and regulatory reporting.

• Strong working knowledge of UK and EU customs regulations, tariff classification, valuation methodologies, and rules of origin.

• Relevant professional licenses/certifications, such as:

• UK Customs Practitioner qualification (e.g., BIFA/IOE&IT Certificate or Diploma in Customs Procedures)

• AEO authorization/management experience

• Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT) certification

• Other recognized customs compliance certifications (e.g., Certified Customs Specialist)

• Experience managing relationships with customs authorities (HMRC) and third-party logistics/brokerage partners.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and senior leadership.

Preferred

• Experience in the apparel, fashion, or retail industry, with familiarity in related trade issues (e.g., textile quotas, labeling requirements, seasonal supply chain dynamics).

• Experience with trade compliance software/systems (e.g., customs management systems, GTM platforms).

• Familiarity with additional EU member state-specific customs requirements.

• Experience navigating post-Brexit UK-EU trade arrangements.

• Experience in the e-commerce channel, including cross-border D2C fulfillment, low-value consignment rules (e.g., UK/EU VAT thresholds, IOSS), returns processing, and marketplace-specific customs requirements.

• Experience in tax-efficient supply chain modeling, including duty and VAT optimization, customs valuation strategy, and structuring of distribution networks (e.g., bonded facilities, free zones) to minimize landed cost while maintaining compliance.